Device for washing articles, such as dishes, employing a rotary liquid spray frame



Z w 2 who W. a 7 r l 2 /.Mm.,n m 0 w A, Wm 04.. 06R H n n 0 2% m A r fi L. BOLKOW E i'l'l'l'll'll'l'l'll DEVICE FOR WASHING ARTICLES, SUCH AS DISHES, EMPLOYING A ROTARY LIQUID SPRAY FRAME Filed Sept. 25, 1962 ,1 11m mm Dec. 22, 1964 United States Patent DEVICE FGR WASHTNG ARTHCLES, SUCH AS DISHES, EMPELUYENG A. EGTARY LTQUID SPRAY FRAME Ludwig Bdlkow, Perlaeherstrasse 2 in, Grunwald, near Munich, Germany, Werner Qelschlg, Tauildrchen, near Munich, Germany, and Lotlrar Kill-nor, Munich, Germany; said flelschig and said Khmer assignors to Ludwig Biilkow, Grunwald, near Munich, Germany Filed Sept. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 22%,l23 Claims priority, application Germany Sept. 2'7, T361 6 Claims. (Cl. Kididi?) Th s invention relates in general to washing apparatus construction, and in particular to a new and useful dishwasher aud the like, including a rotatable frame nozzle and means for suspending a rack for dishes centrally of the nozzle element.

The invention has particular application for a dish, plate, or pan washer and the like and is an improvement over prior art constructions, particularly in respect to an arrangement of a closed or endless nozzle tube frame which surrounds a basket for holding the dishes therein. The arrangement is such that liquid is directed into the frame element and discharged through nozzles formed on the interior face thereof in an inward direction against the dishes held in a basket supported within the frame. The frame is rotated so that the nozzles strike the dishes held on the bucket at all angles to effect a rapid and com plete cleaning thereof.

A feature of the present invention is that the dish basket is suspended centrally or" the nozzle frame element and is detachable. The bearings for the rotating nozzle frame advantageously include stationary bearing elements and a rotatable pin, each supported on the cabinet or frame of the dish washer. They each include inward extensions for supporting the dish basket. The stationary bearing element includes a conduit or pipe element having a hollow passage therein for distributing liquid radially outwardly into rotatable block elements connected to the nozzle frame element. The opposite end of the nozzle frame element is supported on a bearing pin member .which projects suificiently for supporting one end of the removable dish basket, the other end being supported by a projection beyond the nozzle frame of the pipe element. The nozzle frame is advantageously mounted within the container for rotation about a horizontal axis defined by the center lines of the bearings.

The present invention has particular advantage over prior art constructions in respect to the simple construction requiring only a minimum amount of materials While eifecting optimum operation. The dish basket can be readily filled from the top of the machine and may be emptied either by removing the dishes from the top or by removing the complete basket, if desired. The cabinet advantageously includes a pivotally mounted top cover for access to the basket for the purposes of loading and unloading the dishes. By such a construction the cover can be sealed more readily than prior art machines which are loaded from the side. In addition, due to the position of a nozzle pipe frame which is of endless construction and rotatably mounted on both sides, the closing action by the rotating jets is elfective and the machine will operate without vibrations.

According to a further feature of the invention, one of the bearing pins is connected with the nozzle pipe frame, while a stationary bearing pipe is rigidly connected with the wall of the container. The water supply is directed to the nozzle pipe frame through the bearing pipe, and the drive of the nozzle pipe frame is effected by a Wheel affixed to the supporting pin. 1

A further feature of the invention is the details of construction of the bearing pipe for supplying liquid to the frame. The arrangement includes a supply pipe connec tion into a rotating bearing block attached to the nozzle frame. The supply pipe contains a distributor cone for deflecting the water stream radially outwardly into hollow passages of the block elements carried by the rotating nozzle frame. The nozzle frame is advantageously formed of one or more channel-sectioned or U-sectioned members which are open on one side. The members are closed at the open side with a plate element having the nozzle elements. The construction is such that the nozzle pipe frame has great stability and the rinsing and washing liquid is easily directed through the nozzle openings of the plate element of the nozzle frame against the dishes contained in the removable dish basket.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved washing machine construction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dish washer which includes bearing means for rotatably supporting a nozzle frame having means for directing liquid to the interior of the frame for discharge through nozzles spaced around the frame, and a removable basket for holding the elements to be washed carried by projections of bearings for the nozzle frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dish washer construction which includes a cabinet which has a top opening and includes bearing means on each side of the interior of the cabinet for rotatably supporting a nozzle frame element, one of the bearing means including means for supplying liquid to the interior of the nozzle frame element for direction to the center thereof, and a removable dish basket supported on projections of the bearing elements centrally of the nozzle frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dish washer with an endless nozzle pipe frame which encircles a basket for the dishes, characterized in that the basket is detachably suspended at two bearing pins which project into the nozzle pipe frame and upon which pins the frame is rotatably mounted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dishwasher which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a 7 preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a dish water constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view, partly in section, of a bearing assembly for the nozzle frame constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of the other bearing assembly for the nozzle frame.

Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied therein includes a washing machine or dish washer generally designated 1 having a substantially 3 rectangular housing 50 whichjhas an open top which is closed by a cover member 52 pivotally mounted at one side of the cabinet on hinges 54.

In accordance with the invention the dish washer includes an endless nozzle pipe frame generally designated 2 which is mounted in the interior space 6 of the cabinet 50 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. The nozzle frame 2 is rotatably supported at one end upon a washing liquid supply bearing assembly generally desi'gnat'ed 7, and at the opposite end by a bearing assembly generally designated 8.

The washing liquid bearing, assembly, 7', indicated in FIG. 2 on an enlarged scale, includes a bearing conduit or pipe 11 on one side, pin element 12, each of which projects inwardly into the space 6. The bearing elements 11 and 12 include curved inner end portions or projections 9 and 10 which define stirrups for supporting a detachable dish basket or frame element generally designated 5. y

.As indicated in FIG. 2, the bearing element or pin 11 of the bearing 7 is provided with a flange 13 which is Secured with screws 14 to a side wall 15 of the container 50. The bearing element 11 is advantageously formed as a conduit having a pipercontinuation 16 which is hollowed to define a passage for directing washing liquid therethrough. Washing liquidis directed inwardly through the conduit 16 toward a conical distributor cone 17 arranged at the end of the conduit adjacent the rotating nozzle frame 2. Washing liquid is directed outwardly through radial holes 18 and 19 defined in a bearing pin portionll of the conduit 16 and is directed outwardly through radial passages 23 defined in bearing dishes or block elements 20 and 21 which surround the pin 11' and carry the frame 2. The bearingv dishes 20 and 21 are held'together by means of counter sunk screws 22. The upper portion-of the radial passages 23 are squared at 24 and receive half pipe stirrupelements 3 and 4 of the rotating nozzle frame 2. The stirrup elements 3 and 4 are secured in the portions24 of the bearing dishes 20 and-21 advantageously by means of soldering. The, bearing assembly 7 is sealed against the exit of washing liquid by means of a washer 25 which surrounds the pin 11 and which is advantageously made of a self-lubricating synthetic material.

As indicated in FIG. 3, the other sliding bearing generally designated 8 consists of a sleeve 26 having a flange 27 which is secured to a container side wall 56 by means of screws 28. The bearing pin 12 is rotatably supported within the sleeve 26 on a self-lubricating gasket or washer 29. The bearing pin 12 is driven by means of a pulley 3t via a belt 58 which is secured around a pulley of a shaft driven by a motor (not shown). The outer end of the pin 12 is advantageously formed with a squared or block configuration 60 and the nozzle frame 2 is secured at such location. For this purpose the pipe stirrups 3 and 4 are suitably notched and they are fastened to the block elements by means of screws 31.

As indicated in the drawings, the'pipe stirrup portions 3 and 4 of the'rotating nozzle 2 are formed from-rods 32 and 33 of U-shap'ed or channel-shaped section. Plates 34 and 35 are provided with the pressed nozzle openings 36 and they are soldered so that they lie on the interior face of the rotating frame 2; j V The basket 5 is advantageously made of a wire frame construction and includes curved element'stirrups 37' and I 38. The stirrups 37 and 38 have legs39 and 40 which and on the opposite side a bearing open downwardly so that they may bev disposed over the projections 9 and 10 of opposed bearings 7 and 8. The legs 39 and 40 of the stirrup 37. are supported against the plane flanks 41' and 42' of the outer end of the stationary pin 11, sothat oscillation of the basket is prevented; The opposite stirrup 38 rides over the projection 10 of the pin 12 in rolling contact with the cylindrically formed projection.

Thus, the invention provides a dishwasher which includes a cabinet construction opening from the top making access to the removable dish basket easy and simple. The

arrangement is such that the dishes are supported in a removable basket centrally of a rotatable nozzle frame element of simple and inexpensive design. Rotation of the nozzle during the operation causes a washing liquid to be directed at everchanging angles against the surfaces of the dishes to be washed. The rotational speed may be controlled by means of the driving belt arrangement driving one of the sides of the frame.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is: 7 V

1. A dishwasher comprising a rotatable nozzle frame, said frame being made up of two substantially U-shaped separable frame elements, said frame elements each having inner faces with a plurality of nozzle discharge openings directed inwardly, first and second bearings for rotatably supporting said frame at laterally spaced locations arranged in opposition on each side of said frame, means detachably connecting said frame elements together at the location ofeach of said bearings, said connecting means rotatably supporting said frame onsaid first and second bearing elements, and permitting circulation of liquid completely around the interior of said frame and the separation of said frame elements at the locations of respective ones of said first and second bearings, said first and second bearings each including a projection extending interiorly of said frame for supporting a basket for dishes and the like for washing by liquid directed through the nozzles of said frame, said first bearing comprising a stationary hollow sleeve element, a bearing pin rotatable in said sleeve element, a driving member secured to said rotatable pin for receiving power for rotating saidframe, and

means for supplying washing liquid through said second bearing and into said frame for discharge outof said frame through said nozzle discharge openings, each of said first and second bearings defining with the associated frame a liquid flow passage for the circulation of liquid around said frame.

2. A dishwasher according to claim 1 wherein said projections of said first and second bearings include at least one plane surface, and means for supporting a dish basket on said plane surface so that the basket will not be rotatedwith said frame.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein said means connecting said frame elements together include separable block elements surrounding said first bearing, said first bearing being hollow and being" connected to said means for supplying washing liquid,.said bl'ock elements having internal passages communicating with said first bearing and with saidframe elements.

4. A dishwasher according to claim wherein said first bearing is a hollow tube, and a conical deflection in said tube arranged to direct incomingwashing liquid into said frame elements.

first stationary bearing, a rotatable pin member forming a second bearing for rotatably supporting said pin member arranged in axial alignment with but laterally spaced from an end of said hollow' tube, first and second block elements having complimentary parts. forming a bore for permitting said block elements to be positioned together around said hollow tube for rotation thereabout, said hol- 9 low tube and said block elements having hollow passages which communicatefor distributing washing fluid, means for supplying washing fluid to'said hollow tube, a block member rotatable on said pin member, anendless frame formed of two separable substantially U-shaped elements, said elements being joined together at said block elements and at said block member, respectively, and having a hollow interior in communication with the hollow passage of said block elements for receiving washing fluid, said frame elements having an interior face with nozzles formed thereon for directing washing liquid centrally of said frame, means formed at the ends of said hollow tube and said bearing pin, respectively, for supporting a basket for articles to be washed centrally of said frame and driving means secured to said bearing pin member for rotating said pin member and to rotate said frame therewith around the central basket.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS MacLean Nov. 14, 1916 Gagen May 23, 1922 Goldman et al Ian. 22, 1924 Kirby Sept. 19, 1933 Kirby Apr. 27, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS France Feb. 15, 1943 

1. A DISHWASHER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE NOZZLE FRAME, SAID FRAME BEING MADE UP OF TWO SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPED SEPARABLE FRAME ELEMENTS, SAID FRAME ELEMENTS EACH HAVING INNER FACES WITH A PLURALITY OF NOZZLE DISCHARGE OPENINGS DIRECTED INWARDLY, FIRST AND SECOND BEARINGS FOR ROTATABLY SUPPORTING SAID FRAME AT LATERALLY SPACED LOCATIONS ARRANGED IN OPPOSITION ON EACH SIDE OF SAID FRAME, MEANS DETACHABLY CONNECTING SAID FRAME ELEMENTS TOGETHER AT THE LOCATION OF EACH OF SAID BEARINGS, SAID CONNECTING MEANS ROTATABLY SUPPORTING SAID FRAME ON SAID FIRST AND SECOND BEARING ELEMENTS, AND PERMITTING CIRCULATION OF LIQUID COMPLETELY AROUND THE INTERIOR OF SAID FRAME AND THE SEPARATION OF SAID FRAME ELEMENTS AT THE LOCATIONS OF RESPECTIVE ONES OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BEARINGS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND BEARINGS EACH INCLUDING A PROJECTION EXTENDING INTERIORLY OF SAID FRAME FOR SUPPORTING A BASKET FOR DISHES AND THE LIKE FOR WASHING BY LIQUID DIRECTED THROUGH THE NOZZLES OF SAID FRAME, SAID FIRST BEARING COMPRISING A STATIONARY HOLLOW SLEEVE ELEMENT, A BEARING PIN ROTATABLE IN SAID 